I’m In A New York City Of Mind

If it’s June, it must mean I’m in NYC again for my annual recharge.  Where even the Lowland Gorillas at the Bronx Zoo possess an attitude particular to the revered.

The trip coincided with Jeremy Lipking‘s one man show at the Arcadia Gallery which included a portrait demo by Jeremy that unfortunately could only be viewed effectively by Kobe Bryant. But still.. a stunning show.

A spectacular installation at the Met Roof Garden- ” Big Bambu ”  a growing structure soaring up to 100 feet high and added to on an ongoing basis.

Staying with my good friend Judy-of Lobo’s Rants, an artist as well, and fellow animal lover, which is evident in the montage of her pet portraits seen below:

Convened with fellow friends, frequent visitors to St. Croix and fellow bloggers Carol King of Carolkings Weblog  and Mary Schwalm of 2 Frames Per Second for our annual NYC reunion.

Still the towering symbol of achievement, success and hope, a sharp eye can catch a sardonic flip side of all that:

And a hint that maybe the end IS near?  Tonight’s forecast…..

This city is one long drink of everything you ever wanted which can sometimes lead to excess of stimulation resulting in impromptu naps.

During my last visit I encountered three people in unrelated places that were born on St. Croix and now living in NYC which confirmed what I’ve noticed since living on St. Croix: there is a strong link between the two places.

Proof.

A New CAT-egory of Painting

If it’s new, if it’s recently been unpacked, or if it’s off limits altogether, there’s an excellent chance that your cat will find it and claim it.

Witness:

Those are boxes from just unpacked frames I ordered courtesy of King of Frames. I can’t say enough about Randy Higbee’s company and the quality of his frames and service. I stopped painting to unpack them ( it’s the ADD in my soul ).

In the mind of a feline, there is apparently no better place to snooze than a precariously and unintentionally balanced set of boxes stacked at the back of my easel. I was wrong. It seems there IS a better place and she found it minutes later:

Still Life With Plastic

I just placed this gilt beauty on the countertop and came back to learn that in 90 degree heat and humidity what could be better than sleeping on bubble wrap especially if you possess a fur coat. I’ll have to order another frame. This is her official cot.

Good. Now that she’s settled in, I can finish this piece.

Day’s Done – 10 x 12 Oil on Panel

I use Ultramarine for most things but there’s a shot of Cobalt Blue in his shirt that really pops. Wakes up the other colors too. Bet it can’t wake up that cat, though.